Frequently asked questions

We’ve helped thousands of people start their precious metals collections. These are the questions most people want the answers to:

I like the idea of gold, but I’m also interested in silver – what would you recommend?

We believe everyone should make their own decisions, based on the best available information, so we’d recommend you take your time and consider your options. That said, for many people in the UK, gold coins are the more attractive option because there’s no VAT payable (provided they’re of a certain level of purity, as is the case with the coins Rosland provides). There’s also nothing quite like the feel of gold in your hand, or the way it catches the light and almost seems to glow from within. On the other hand, with silver you get a lot more for your money, so some people find it’s a great way to get started for a limited outlay.

Bullion vs Numismatic

A common question from novice buyers of gold and silver is, “What is the difference between a bullion and a numismatic coin?” The fundamental difference between bullion and numismatic coins is that bullion coins are new and recent, whilst numismatic coins aren’t. Well, that’s a brief summary, but there is more to it. Shorter summaries are below, but you can read more detailed descriptions here.

What exactly is ‘bullion’?

The term ‘bullion’ applies to both bars and coins. Bars, or ingots, have to be 99.5% pure gold in the EU. They include the ‘good delivery’ bars used in the wholesale bullion market that can weigh up to 13kg. Bullion coins have to be at least 90% gold by law, though some have a fineness as high as .9999 gold, including some examples of the UK’s own Britannia gold coin. Gold bullion coins of this purity are exempt from VAT. Bullion coins can be made of gold, silver, platinum and palladium, but gold and silver suit most people well enough.

Why are ‘numismatic’ coins of interest?

Numismatic coins are perhaps best defined as ‘older coins in limited supply’. Unlike modern bullion coins, which can be produced in unlimited mintages, the production run of older coins is of course a known quantity and availability is limited. These coins are often aesthetically and historically appealing, and they’re commonly graded by third-party entities to establish a ranking of quality, all of which allows a market to arise in which numismatic coins can be worth more than their weight in gold. These coins can have considerable value, as well as giving great pleasure as objects of beauty.

What are Graded Coins?

Graded coins are normally far more valuable than ungraded coins, especially an ungraded, unprotected coin, which can be subject to the elements and/or damage. Collectors prefer coins in the best condition possible, for obvious reasons. A coin in mint condition will retain more of the fine detail of the original engraving, too. Obviously old and ancient coins are easier to read in better states of preservation, and there is generally more pleasure in owning a coin in almost perfect original condition than there is with a worn specimen. There are fewer “old” coins in mint condition than in worn condition. Whilst ungraded coins have no guarantee of grade and condition, graded coins are certified by a professional grading company with a recognised grade on a scale between 1 and 70. Graded Coins come in sealed, protective transparent containers to preserve the beauty and quality of the coin. As the coin cannot be released again, the coin remains at its certified grade forever.

How will I know I’ve received what I’ve ordered?

When you receive your order, it will come with a list of the contents. The order will have been checked by a third party, but you should take a close look and call us if you have any doubts. With graded and numismatic coins, each one will be separately packaged in a tamper-proof plastic case, or ‘slab’, by the grading company who assessed it. Each coin has a unique bar-code identifier and a description of the coin. If despite these factors you have questions about your delivery, you are always welcome to contact us and we will assist you.

If you have any other questions, please call one of our gold experts: 0800-902-0000.